How to Avoid Back Pain When Driving
Back pain is one of those pains that surprise us in the middle of the workday and from which we do not get rid of so easily. When we drive, engine vibrations, the stress of being behind the wheel or improper posture can exacerbate the pain with which you have woken up or with which you have left the office. Therefore, when getting into your vehicle this pain can be really annoying. In order for you to minimize these unwelcome pains as much as possible, here are some tips that will help you make your journey more bearable, especially if it is a very long trip.
Seat:
Before sitting down, remember that you should not fall on the seat, enter guiding yourself with your hips to find the most suitable position inside the vehicle, and avoid damage and bad posture before starting the mark. Nor should you forget that the backrest should not be far back, you are not in a hammock on the beach.
The incline must be between 15 and 25 degrees and the height of the same must be around 30 cm between the floor of the car and the top of the seat, while the head is at least 5 centimeters from the ceiling. With these tricks you will achieve greater visibility and that the seat belt is even more effective. If you have objects in the rear seats, try not to use them until you get out of the vehicle to try to avoid bad posture or an improper turn.
Seat Belt:
The seat belt is one of the most important elements inside the vehicle, so you must not forget to adjust it properly to your body. Sometimes the same vehicle is used by several people and each is a different size. Before starting off, check that the belt is completely adjusted to your body: neither too loose nor too tight. Both situations can be dangerous in the event of an accident.
Steering Wheel:
Nowadays, the vast majority of vehicles have a steering wheel adjuster, so once you have adjusted the seat, get to work with the steering wheel. To facilitate movement, you have to have the necessary margin to move freely without having to be too far or too close.
Our arms should form an angle of 90 degrees so that the wrists coincide with the steering wheel without having to take off the back of the seat. Nor should you forget that the correct position of the hands is in the shape of a V as if you were marking 10 and 10 on a clock (Or 2 minus 10, as you prefer).
Rear View Mirrors:
The mirrors are of vital importance. Knowing what happens around the vehicle while we are moving is essential for good driving. Therefore, you must adjust them perfectly before starting the journey, both the interior and exterior mirrors. Once adjusted, make sure you have all the visibility you need to get going. Having the mirrors well adjusted will help you avoid having to make sharp turns of the neck, or having to bend over to see through any of them in complete safety.
Headrest:
The headrest is the eternal cursed. Sometimes we do not know very well when it is well regulated and that it is not regulated can be much more dangerous than you think since in the event of an accident the neck can suffer a serious cervical injury (known as whiplash). As we indicated in our tips for placing the headrest, Before starting the journey remember that the upper part has to be at eye (or ear) level. Also, you should not rest your head on it, because in that case, it will not be effective. Experts recommend that it be at a distance of about 2 cm.
All these little details will help you avoid back pain or not aggravate it if you already have it. Good practice that will not only help your spine but also ensure you suffer fewer injuries in the event of accidents. Remember that although it sometimes seems like an unnecessary waste of time, it is the small details that can save you major annoyances.
